How to get the new cat more settled in?

by **monkeyface** on Fri Oct 23, 2009 8:32 pm

The stray cat that was living in my backyard has moved into the house, the problem is that he just comes into eat and then wants to go back outside. He hasn't tried sleeping on the couch or anything. My other cats are also resentful of him and they occasionally growl at him, but he doesn't want anything to do with it. How can I get him to relax and stop the other cats from trying to start fights?

by **catlover533** on Fri Oct 23, 2009 8:43 pm

Well, he is a stranger, so if you are only seeing occasional growls, that is really progress. If you are concerned that other of your cats might start a fight, I would expect them to challenge him, as right now they have their own order of being alpha in the household. The challenge is typically more bluff and bluster than anything else.

The only way he will become part of your cat family is to keep him indoors so they can establish a pecking order, and get familiar with his new scents that he brings.

But also realize that by bringing in a stray, he can bring in health problems that can spread to the rest of your cats.

by **foxylady_652003231** on Fri Oct 23, 2009 8:45 pm

i hate to say this but you can't make a cat want to stay in. I have one that only came into eat and drink and then wanted back out RIGHT NOW!! The other cats didn't like that much cause they was jealous that he could go in and out whenever he wanted. But something bad happened to my cat and he disappeared for 2 wks when he returned his back let was mangled and had to be amputated. And now he doesn't go near the door. But before he was injured he would come and go as he pleased. Maybe if you get him neutered he would stop

by **Use2Badoglover281** on Fri Oct 23, 2009 8:47 pm

I am thinking of doing the same thing as soon as the weather gets real cold. (NJ) I have been feeding him all Spring/Summer and don't want him in the cold this winter. I have 4 cats at home and have been wondering will this work out... Wil the stray stay in the house comfortably and will my babies be okay with it. For one they have been smelling this one on me for a while now.

I will watch for the answers you get. That is a lucky cat that you are caring for!

by **julie434849** on Fri Oct 23, 2009 8:48 pm

just give him some toys and let him have access to high areas because cats feel more comfprtable up high cuz they can see everything :)

ur cats will get used to him after a while or they
if its just a growl then im pretty sure they will be fine

and try giving him some toys

dont forcefully pet him or touch him if he doesnt want to

hell adjust in a few days:)

How to get the new cat more settled in?